Experience in developing relative periodization of the Podbolot'yevo cemetery (based on the study of shapes of clay vessels)

The paper summarizes the methodology of developing relative periodization of archaeological sites based on the data of studies regarding ancient ceramics and results of their practical application to the materials from the Podbolot'yevo cemetery of the ancient Muroma. The systemic analysis of shapes of 233 clay pots from 129 graves made it possible to identify five subsequent periods in the history of the cemetery. These reflect changes over time in development of pottery-making traditions of the Muroma population that left behind this cemetery. The paper places a special focus on verification of the suggested periodization with the help of independent archaeological data.